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THE Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has issued IMC Communications with an internet service provider (ISP) licence, marking a giant step in the firm’s quest to partner leading US satellite internet service company Starlink, as an approved reseller agent.
This comes after Potraz announced last month that it had licensed Starlink, a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) internet services provider owned by US billionaire, Elon Musk. The company’s entry into Zimbabwe information communication technology is expected to help cut the cost of digital and internet services, a critical element of business processes in the digital era. This aligns with Government policy on technology and innovation-driven growth, with President Mnangagwa on record that innovation, science and technology are part of the strategic pillars that anchor the Second Republic’s developmental agenda under vision 2030.
A potential game-changer, Starlink’s satellite internet service is expected to bring faster, cheaper and uninterrupted connectivity in a revolutionary manner that experts predict could redefine the future of data and digital services in the country. The satellite technology is expected to revolutionise various facets of business activity, including marketing and home ICT experts say apart from lower internet service and data costs, Starlink’s satellite coverage would provide internet connectivity to some of the remotest parts of the country, promoting inclusivity and enabling Zimbabweans to engage in the country’s digital economy.
In the digital era where business is now done at the click of a button, while significant hours of people’s lives are spent online, affordable and efficient data and digital services have become indispensable.
Today’s businesses cannot survive or thrive without digital services and technologies, experts say. Experts opine that data and digital services are now essential to stay competitive and deliver value to customers, a scenario reshaping the landscape of business and transforming how people interact across the globe.
IMC, which had initially been touted to become an exclusive Starlink reseller before authorities expanded the list to increase competition, would become the third local company approved to resell Starlink services in
Zimbabwe after Aura Group and State-owned TelOne. The company’s licensing follows recommendation and approval from Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Dr Tatenda Mavetera.
No comment could be obtained from Potraz, as managing director Dr Gift Machengete indicated he had not been on official duty for a while. But IMC chairman Mr Wilson Manase confirmed the issuance of the licence
by Potraz and commended the Government, under President Mnangagwa’s stewardship, for granting local firms the space to contribute to economic growth via the ICT industry. “Firstly, we express our deep gratitude to His Excellency, President Mangagwa, and the Second Republic for their empowerment of indigenous companies, enabling us to play a pivotal role in the digital transformation journey. “We appreciate the unwavering support in fostering local ICT development, which positions companies like IMC Communications to be at the forefront of technological advancement in Zimbabwe. “As we roll out our services, we are fully committed to meeting and exceeding the service standards set by Potraz, ensuring that every Zimbabwean has access to affordable, reliable, and innovative ICT services,” Mr Manase said.
He added that IMC will continue to invest in new technologies, partnerships, and infrastructure to remain competitive while driving Zimbabwe towards becoming a digitally empowered nation by 2030.
Mr Manase said MC Communications was committed to revolutionising Zimbabwe’s ICT space by providing cutting-edge internet services, connectivity solutions, and terminal deployments to both enterprise and
individual customers. “With our newly issued ISP license from Potraz, IMC will leverage innovative technologies such as ubiquitous satellite internet coverage to ensure nationwide access, especially targeting underserved areas. “This effort directly aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, aiming to transform the nation into a digital economy. In tackling the intense competition in Zimbabwe’s ICT sector, IMC said it will
focus on delivering high-quality services with exceptional customer experience. “By implementing world-class customer care systems, we will meet the diverse needs of Zimbabweans, ensuring seamless access to reliable and affordable internet services,
“Our strategic partnerships and focus on technological innovation will allow us to stay ahead of competitors while continuously improving service delivery. “We are committed to maintaining service excellence and meeting the rollout targets specified in our licence to stay competitive and ensure wide-scale digital inclusion. “IC Communications’ deployment of a subscription-based service model will cater for both enterprise and end-user customers, offering tailor-made solutions that align with the needs of businesses and individuals alike. “Our network infrastructure will enhance digital connectivity and support the rapid growth of e-commerce, e-government, and digital entrepreneurship, key drivers of economic growth in the modern economy. “By contributing to the Government’s Vision 2030, MC will help elevate Zimbabwe to the status of an upper-middle-income country, fostering growth across all sectors of the economy through digital inclusion and innovative ICT solutions,” Mr Manase said.
With fast-evolving technologies, the Government has since put its best foot forward after Minister Mavetera said authorities had put in place measures to guard against the potential negative impacts of the new technologies. “As a Government, we are making concerted efforts to come up with policies that regulate and guide the use and adoption of disruptive technologies that will no doubt be easily adopted with the improved
connectivity that low earth orbit satellites promise. “These policies include the Artificial Intelligence Policy, The Internet of Things Policy, and the Child Online Safety Policy. Online safety is very important as we embrace these newer technologies with criminals now abandoning their traditional weapons for the keyboard. “While we have promulgated the Cyber and Data Protection Act to deal with such malcontents, the saying that prevention is better than cure still rings true. Let us stay safe online,” she said.
Currently, Zimbabwe has 11 million internet subscribers, reflecting a penetration rate of 73,3 percent, according to Potraz.
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